July 19, 2012

FRIDAY UP N' UP PRESENTS CHARLES "LOGICAL" JONES


Logical (Charles Jones) was born and raised in West Philadelphia. Though he never picked up a mic until his late teens, like many others; Hip-Hop was his first love. Despite being raised by his loving Grandmother, Charles eventually adapted some of the negative habits that are common in urban living. A near fatal car accident in 2001, forced Charles to sit down and really examine his life. Unable to even walk without assistance, the things of this world quickly lost their value.
Shortly after his recovery, one of Charles’ cousins got saved at a Gospel Hip-Hop concert. He was immediately impacted by the change he seen take place in the life of his cousin, and began to desire similar change. After several months of disregarding invitations to a youth ministry, he eventually accepted. For seven months, he argued and debated the accuracy of scripture, and the value of faith. Shocked by the love he received while speaking words of hate, he began to finally listen to the messages for the first time. Rocked by a God who would die to save a group of misfits, Charles accepted Christ September 23, 2002.Though he remains a work in progress, Logical is now focused on spreading the Kingdom of God. He aims to reach those:
Whom have not yet accepted the Gospel, Caught up in false doctrines, Whom have lost sight of the Gospel.
Full Artist Profile, Links, and Interview after the Jump!

 

Contact:

Website: http://www.ynurecords.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/logical_dtc
http://twitter.com/YnURecords
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/logical.dtc http://www.facebook.com/youngandunashamedrecords
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/YoungandUnashamed412
Email: Logical@ynurecords.com
Mixtape Download: http://ynurecords.com/downloads/


Interview:

Rhyme Talk: How did you fall in love with christ?
Logical: I was almost killed in an car accident in 2001. That was first time I ever sat down and really examined my life. Unable to even walk without assistance, the things of this world quickly lost their value.
Shortly after my recovery, one of cousins got saved at a Gospel Hip-Hop concert. I was immediately impacted by the change I seen take place in his life, and began to desire similar change. After several months of disregarding invitations to a youth ministry, I eventually accepted. For seven months, I argued and debated the accuracy of scripture, and the value of faith. Shocked by the love I received while speaking words of hate, I began to finally listen to the messages for the first time. Rocked by a God who would die to save a group of misfits, I accepted Christ September 23, 2002.

Rhyme Talk: What about your love for hip hop? how were you first exposed to it?
Logical: 21 years ago, I woke up to the sound of my uncle pumping Public Enemy and doing the Flava Flav. I looked up at all the Word up posters, listened to some Shaba Ranks and immediately fell in love with Hip Hop. 10 years ago, I was introduced to Gospel Hip hop at the "Holy Culture" album release. 09/23/02, I gave my life to Christ and started writing for the King.


Rhyme Talk: What is the reasoning and meaning behind the name logical?
Logical: I feel like this name best describes my approach to evangelism. When attempting to present the Word, I love to draw comparisons to current events and cultural traditions. Many folks claim that Scripture no longer applies, or does not address modern day society and problems. Pointing out that the Word of God is timeless through such methods, is what I enjoy most.


Rhyme Talk: How would describe your style in music and your presence on stage?
Logical: Though I realize I still have a lot of growing to do as an mc, I would dare to call myself a storyteller. I would hope that my music allows the listener to paint a mental picture. I describe my stage presence as intense and intimate. Eye contact and vocal inflictions play a major role. I rarely use a hype man. I regularly perform acapellas in hopes that the lyrics can be heard and reflected upon.


Rhyme Talk: How do you get your beats and whats the process like when picking them?
Logical: The internet mostly. I'm certain my manager/friend (George, owner of Young and Unashamed Records) hates me. I go through hundreds of beats and beat pages a month. I don't really have a process. I value a well organized beat. An intro, drop, verse, hook, bridge (optional), outro. I'm east coast, so I do love my drums. For the most part though, I just have to feel it. As an MC, you just know when you find "the one"...lol.


Rhyme Talk: How do you feel about ghost writing and rhyme schemes?
Logical: Holy Ghost Writer ONLY. Though it dates back to the beginning of rap, I don't respect ghost writing. It's not genuine. Rhyme schemes determine how a beat gets attacked. I value it's relationship with the finished product, but not more so than the overall message. I feel that lyricists can get so wrapped up in making their schemes complex, that the clarity of the message can get overlooked. I feel that it's important that our messages have the ability to reach both "the novice" and "the professor".


Rhyme Talk: How has your region impacted your style in music and which area do you wish to collab with?
Logical: It's too hard to go on the outside and look in. I'm a Philly Boy through and through. I sound normal to me and "Philly" to others. I would ultimately like to collaborate with every region.


Rhyme Talk: Auto-Tune or Raw vocals?
Logical: Straight Raw.


Rhyme Talk: What do you bring to the table that the game doesnt have right now?
Logical: I would say that I bring introspection. I feel that folks in both the secular and gospel culture have forgotten the importance of self examination. I worry we've become so distracted, that we now view compromise as acceptable.


Rhyme Talk: How did your first song sound like?
Logical: My first song was horrible. Like most, I assumed that anybody could rap. I thought that a person just needed a beat and then magic happened. I had no structure. It was a 24 second verse. I really thought I had done something.


Rhyme Talk: Compared to your latest?
Logical: My latest will be the first single on my debut album "Food for Thought". It's called "Where Did the Music Go". I love the message. I feel many folks who remember how powerful music used to be, will really relate.


Rhyme Talk: If you could redo one of your songs which would it be?
Logical: It may sound crazy since I am an adult, but after seeing "Meet the Robinson's", I adapted their motto; "Keep moving forward". I wouldn't redo anything.


Rhyme Talk: Is fundraising acceptable when raising money for studio time?
Logical: I don't see anything wrong with it.


Rhyme Talk: What is your number one dream as a christian artists?
Logical: I dream of a day where the integrity of my Savior's name will be restored. When it's no longer part of pop culture. No longer openly mocked without consequence. No longer taken in vain. Just adored and respected.


Rhyme Talk: How has YNU Records backed you up as an artist?
Logical: Though both the label and myself are still in it's infant stages, Y & U has been amazing thus far. The label stresses both intimacy and growth. I know everyone involved with the label and their families. The label values an artist's creative control. It has also helped with all of my production and promotion thus far.


Rhyme Talk: Are they looking for artists to start a group based movement?
Logical: Not to my knowledge.


Rhyme Talk: When you were younger could you think that Jesus Presence and hip hop would come together?
Logical: Absolutely not. I never even thought Jesus and I would come together.

Rhyme Talk: Come to Bean Town at any point? a show maybe?
Logical: I would love to. I have not so far and have nothing scheduled. However, if Rhyme Talk has or knows of an event coming up soon, I would be honored to magnify Christ name on a stage.

Rhyme Talk: Have you peeped no malice's new song "june"? if no how do you feel about the steps he's taking any tips for him? if yes what is your reaction?
Logical: I did hear it. I don't know enough about the steps he has taken so far but I definately hear his growth. I'm excited to see or hear of anyone taking an interest in Jesus.

Rhyme Talk: How is our contribution (Rhyme Talk) to the Christian Hip Hop community doing so far? areas to improve?
Logical: This genre needs as much help and promotion as it can get. The blog is doing well and definitely does a good job staying current. For example, Japhia just released his preview and it's already available on your site. I've always wanted to see a gospel site provide more free resource links. Names of solid churches in several areas, free downloadable sermons and tracks, etc.. Perhaps this could serve as an improvement.

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